Daddy's little girl

Many nights, before bed, the girls will end up on the couch looking through magazines that I save for them.  They are usually American Girl Doll, Oriental Trading or things like that.  Shelby's new favorite is Forbes.  Her daddy is so proud and positive that she is a genius!

Shelby's prayer last night

Dear God.  Thank you for all that you have given me.  Thank you for my daily bread.  Thank you for dying on the cross for me.  Thank you for making me SO PRETTY!  Amen.

Watoto African Children's Choir

We had the honor of hosting four members of the Watoto African Children's Choir at our house this weekend. The girls had been sick all week, Bret had been out of town, and I was exhausted.  I almost told the pastor that I just couldn't do it, but I am so glad that I didn't.  It was such a privledge spending time with these children.  They have been through so much in their young lives, more than most of us could even imagine.  The amazing thing to see is their constant joy.  You have never met more polite, respectful, and happy children.  I think that because they have seen the worst this world holds, they appreciate what God has done for them even more.  We had two 11 year old girls, one 13 year old, and their amazing leader Mariah.  The girls were so excited to have beds to sleep on and books to read!  None of us were ready for them to leave when it was time!  The girls all hugged a million times, and Shelby announced that she was going back to Africa with them.

 I wondered what my girls would take from seeing the choir perform, hearing their stories, and then meeting them face to face.  My first impluse was to hide the truth from them.  I didn't want them to hear how these kids parents were murdered or died of aids.  The pictures of babies abandon on the streets were hard for the adults to see, but I felt God urging me use this as an opportunity to gently open my girls eyes.  How can a child appreciate what they have been blessed with if they don't truly know how blessed they are?  All the girls learned a little I hope.  Abby, more than the other two, was really touched by all that she heard.  Probably because she is older and able to grasp it a little more.  I have seen a difference in her attitude in just two days.  The girls weren't the only ones who learned something.  Bret and I were both humbled and touched by these kids (at least I know I was!).  The best part of hosting was how much fun the six little girls had together.  They bonded quickly, and they had  a great time playing the Wii, baby dolls, and kitchen.  I guess all little girls are the same.

If you want to learn more about the Watoto Children's Villages you can click here.  They do a lot to help the orphans of Uganda.

Abby, Macey, Shelby with Mary, Imelda, Mariah, and Josephine

Macey loved Mariah.

There were lots of giggles and screaming while they played the Wii.

Bret helping Imelda finish a hard game.

Playing baby dolls.

Our not so scary Halloween

I heard a man at the girls school say on Friday, "Remember when Halloween was nothing but ghosts, goblins and scary masks?"  I can't say that I remember that, but I know one thing, it is all about crowns, wands, and pretty dresses in this house.  Oh yeah, and don't forget the glitter!  What princess would be complete without hair and body glitter?

Abby the butterfly fairy.

Macey the Ice Princess.

Shelby the ballerina.

Out with the old...

...and in with the new!  I am so exicted to finally have some green around our house.  The old yard wasn't bad, but it was all desert plants.  Bret and I miss all the green we had in Houston.

Before

                              

After- The trees and shrubs will take some time to grow in, but I love how much softer everything feels.                 

Wedding shower

I realized the other day that I have been a total slacker on this blog.  I have not shared some of the most important things that have happened over the last few months.  Number one being that my sister FINALLY (I mean FINALLY) got married.  She and her husband dated for 10 years!  I am so glad that she is happily married now.  It gives us just one more thing to share.  Now, if she would just get started on those babies.  :)

Here are some pictures of the wedding shower I threw her a few months ago.

We are so lucky

My girls have the best dad, I'm certain of it!  I could go on and on about what a great dad he is, but he would kill me for it.  Bret prefers to keep that part of himself just for me and the girls.  He is probably going to kill me for sharing this, but I never want to forget it.  Since he has been traveling a lot lately, he has really been missing the girls.  Tonight he wasn't able to talk to them on the phone so he sent them this message, and I read it to them just before bed.  The girls faces lit up when I told them I had a special message from their Dad.  All three of them giggled as I read it, and Abby even rolled her eyes and shook her head when she heard the last part.  This is because Bret has been saying it to her ever since she started school!

The message:

My precious babies, I love you and miss you soooooo much.  I can't wait for this week to be over and be home with you.  I will pray for your rest and health.  I hope you dream of chocolate rivers and gummy bear trees.  Sleep good, mind your mom, and stay away from all boys.  Love, your daddy.